Florida can now enforce a ban on social media accounts for kids
The state of Florida won a key court decision Wednesday that allows it to enforce a ban on social media accounts for kids under 14 and other restrictions. The law was one of the most restrictive in the U.S. on social media use by children when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it in 2024. The law implicates the First Amendment , an appeals court said, but “likely does so in a content-neutral manner.” It…
In a significant court ruling on Wednesday, the state of Florida was granted the authority to enforce a ban on social media accounts for children under 14, alongside additional restrictions. This legislation, one of the most stringent in the U.S. concerning child social media usage, was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2024.
Despite concerns over potential First Amendment infringement, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals deemed the law to largely be content-neutral, suggesting it would likely withstand a comprehensive legal challenge. The law prohibits social media accounts for Florida children under 14 and mandates parental consent for minors aged 14 or 15.
Industry groups, the Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, challenged the law, contending it violated the free-speech rights of social media providers and users. A 2025 ruling indicated the law was likely unconstitutional, granting an injunction that has now been lifted, allowing the case to proceed to federal court in Tallahassee.
The appeals court acknowledged the law's applicability to platforms proven to induce excessive use by children and those incorporating addictive features. The Florida attorney general's office declined to comment, while NetChoice expressed disappointment with the decision, vowing to explore all options to safeguard Floridians' free expression online and parental rights.
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